g

GE Capacitor

Low-Voltage Power Factor

Correction Capacitors

GEP-974-F
GE Capacitor g

Table of Contents
Page
GE Capacitor Technology ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Facts About GE Low Voltage Capacitors ---------------------------------------------------------------- 7

GEM® Single-Unit Assemblies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

240 Volt 1 - 40 kVAR
480 Volt 1 - 100 kVAR
600 Volt 1 - 60 kVAR

GEM® Multi-Unit Assemblies ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10

240 Volt 42.5 - 200 kVAR
480 Volt 110 - 500 kVAR
600 Volt 65 - 300 kVAR

GEMATIC™ Select Automatic Power Factor Correction Equipment ----------------------- 12

240 Volt 50 - 300 kVAR
480 Volt 100 - 600 kVAR
600 Volt 100 - 600 kVAR

GEMATIC™ Compact Automatic Power Factor Correction Equipment ----------------------- 14

240 Volt 40 - 120 kVAR
480 Volt 100 - 300 kVAR
600 Volt 100 - 300 kVAR

GEMATIC™ Custom Custom Configured Automatic Power Factor Correction

Equipment with Harmonic Suppresion Reactors ---------------------- 16
240 Volt 100 - 300 kVAR
480 Volt 200 - 1400 kVAR
600 Volt 200 - 1400 kVAR

GEMTRAP™ Fixed Low Voltage Power Factor Correction Equipment

with Harmonic Suppresion Reactors -------------------------------------- 18
240 Volt 25 - 50 kVAR
480 Volt 25 - 200 kVAR
600 Volt 25 - 200 kVAR

GEM™/ OFW Fixed Low Voltage Power Factor Correction Equipment

for Outdoor Pumping Installations ---------------------------------------- 20

HWT Medium Voltage Assemblies ------------------------------------------------- 22

2400 Volt 25 - 825 kVAR
4160 Volt 25 - 900 kVAR
4800 Volt 25 - 900 kVAR

For additional information on these and other products, please go online to www.GEIndustrial.com
the GE Industrial Systems home page. Select PRODUCTS and then select CAPACITORS. From there,
continue to the desired product(s) and information.

4
g GE Capacitor

Table of Contents

AIDS FOR APPLICATION OF

POWER FACTOR CORRECTION
CAPACITORS

Page
Capacitor Function ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Equipment Causing Poor Power Factor ---------------------------------------------------------------- 26

How Capacitors Save Money ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

Benefits of Power Factor Improvement ----------------------------------------------------------------- 27

Facts and Formulas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30

Degree of Power Factor Improvement ------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Size of Capacitor Bank ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Determining Your Capacitor Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------- 32

Sizing Capacitors for Electrical Systems --------------------------------------------------------------- 33

Power Bill Savings and Factors That Affect Your Electrical Bill --------------------------------- 34

Location of Power Capacitors ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35

Suggested Maximum Capacitor Ratings

for T-Frame Motors When Switched with Capacitors ----------------------------------------------- 36

Switching Capacitors --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

Guide for Cable and Switch Selection ------------------------------------------------------------------- 38

Understanding Harmonics --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39

Applying Power Factor Correction in a Harmonic Environment ---------------------------------- 40

Harmonic Survey Data Form ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42

For additional information on these and other products, please go online to www.GEIndustrial.com
the GE Industrial Systems home page. Select PRODUCTS and then select CAPACITORS. From there,
continue to the desired product(s) and information.

5
GE Capacitor g
GE Capacitor Technology
GEM® Capacitors

GE’s GEM® capacitors are manufactured with high-grade metallized polypropylene film. Low loss polypropylene film
with metallized electrode provides smaller, lighter units. Dielectric self-healing characteristics, plus internal Pressure
Sensitive Interrupters, result in a double assurance of safety. Multiple cell construction allows for complete flexibility in
capacitor selection.

Instant “Self-healing” Feature Nuisance Fault and Cell Rupture Protected

During a dielectric breakdown an arc occurs across the
dielectric at the puncture. The thin metallized electrode
will vaporize away from the puncture, then the arc self-
extinguishes and bare polypropylene film remains, leaving
the capacitor intact. This “self-healing” process is instanta-
neous - only 0.5 microseconds from initial fault current
flow until clearing is complete.
The patented GE Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI - Fig. 1), in
conjunction with the self-clearing feature, helps protect against
nuisance faults and cell rupture. This field proven feature
interrupts capacitor current when internal pressure forces the
cover up and breaks an under cover contact (see Fig. 2).

GE Film/Foil Capacitors

GE’s Film/Foil capacitors offer an energy efficient polypropylene film dielectric. This heavy duty Film/Foil dielectric
system is designed to handle unusual overvoltages and overcurrents without reducing capacitor life. The Film/Foil
dielectric results in low watts per kVAR power consumption during capacitor operation. The 0.5 watts per kVAR losses
and corresponding low internal heat generation mean low operating temperatures for the Film/Foil capacitor, a
significant factor in extending capacitor life. This dielectric system can be found in the low voltage EDT/EWT and
medium voltage HWT product lines.

6
g GE Capacitor

Facts About GE Low Voltage Capacitors

GE - YOUR COMPLETE CAPACITOR SUPPLIER with a full line of low & medium voltage
capacitors for power factor correction:

Where to Use Line Fuses

GE offers designs that are suitable for either indoor or
outdoor use. Connection of the capacitors to the
terminals of motors or other loads permits switching the
load and capacitors as a unit, automatically keeping
kilovar supply in step with kilovar requirement.
Capacitors tied to a feeder or bus generally require a
switching device. Individual units or groups of units in
locations with restricted ventilation, are suitable for
operation in maximum ambients of 46°C(115°F). The
capacitors are suitable for energizing in temperatures
as low as -40°C.
Environmental Compatibility of Liquid
Line fuses are available on both low voltage and
medium voltage equipments. Customers should note
NEC Article 460-8B to decide if fuses are required
for a specific low voltage application.
Discharge Resistors
Each low voltage capacitor includes discharge
resistors to drain residual capacitor voltage to 50
volts or less within one minute of de-energization.
The 2400, 4160 and 4800 volt units have discharge
resistors that reduce the voltage to 50 volts or less
within five minutes.

GE dielectric systems use the proprietary Dielektrol® Long Life

family of proven non-PCB biodegradable capacitor
fluids specially blended to provide optimum
Proven field service has confirmed long life
performance. Dielektrol® fluids are NGPA rated Class
demonstrated in comprehensive accelerated life tests,
IIIB combustible.
greater than 95 percent survival, 20 years.

National Electrical Code

The NEC, prepared by the National Fire Protection

Association, is widely used as the basis for determining
the adequacy of electrical installations in the United
States. The Code specifically deals with the fusing of
capacitors under Article 460-8B. this Article requires
low voltage capacitors to have over-current protection
in all ungrounded conductors (except if connected on
the load side of a motor overload protective device).
Three phase capacitors fused only on two phases will
not provide adequate protection if a line-to-ground fault
should occur in the unfused phase.

NEC Article 460 in paragraph 460-2 references

capacitors containing flammable liquids, “Enclosing
and Guarding”. This states that “capacitors containing
more than three gallons of flammable liquid shall be
enclosed in vaults or outdoor fenced enclosures . . . “.
The code, therefore, permits indoor installation of
capacitor cells containing less than three gallons of
combustible liquid. All capacitors listed in this catalog
contain less than three gallons of liquid. Capacitor
assemblies made up of several units may be installed
indoors and, since no single unit contains more than
three gallons of the liquid, the installations will be in
compliance with the requirements of the NEC.

7
GE Capacitor g
Type GEM® Low Voltage Power Factor Correction Capacitors
GEM® Series Single-Unit Indoor/Outdoor Assemblies

Available Ratings: Not for harmonic applications

· 240 volt, 1-40 kVAR, single and 3-phase, 60 Hz

To determine kVAR at 208 volts, multiply 240 volts kVAR by
.75
· 480 volt, 1-100 kVAR, single and 3-phase, 60 Hz
· 600 volt, 1-60 kVAR, 3-phase, 60 Hz
· UL Listed & CSA labeled
· Discharge resistors reduce voltage to 50 volts or less within one
minute
· Enclosure NEMA 3 & 12
· Factory installed fuses and blown fuse indicating
lights(Optional)
· Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) in each cell
Note: NEC Article 460-8B requires capacitors to have over-
GEM® assemblies feature multiple capacitor cells with metallized
current protection in all ungrounded conductors (except if
polypropylene film dielectric which provides instantaneous self- connected on the load side of a motor overload protective
healing action and reduced energy losses. Safety is provided with device). Three-phase capacitors fused only on two phases
the patented GE internal Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) will not provide adequate protection if a line-to-ground
designed to sense the buildup of pressure if a fault occurs and to fault should occur in the unfused phase.
interrupt the internal electrical connections before the capacitor
cell can rupture. GEM® cells feature time-proven Dielektrol®, a Mounting
biodegradable NFPA Class IIIB dielectric fluid. GEM® offers high
reliability and long life and is suitable for operation over a tem- GEM® 65L800 series units are designed to be
perature range of -40°C to 46°C. mounted upright on any level surface, such as a floor,
top of a motor control center, or directly to any wall
Line Fuse/Blown Fuse Indicating Lights with brackets provided.

When fuses are specified, GE provides 100 KAIC and 200 KAIC
interrupting capacity fuses for up to 12.5 kVAR and larger ratings
respectively. Blown fuse indicating lights are also an option. Order
by appropriate BASIC CATALOG number plus the appropriate
accessory SUFFIX for a complete catalog number.
Line Connection and Cable Entrance
Entrance on Size Code 4 units must be made through
the right end panel. For all other sizes the entrance
may be made through either end panel (after first
punching out the appropriate size hole). Solderless
connectors are provided on each phase.

Size A B
Code Inches mm Inches mm
4 8.00 205.2 1.88 47.8
5 14.12 358.7 7.50 191.5
6 23.30 593.9 12.38 314.5

Data subject to Change Without Notice

8
g GE Capacitor

G E M® S in g le-U n it S ele ctio n T a b le:

B a s ic 3 Fu ses S iz e
kVAR C a t. N o . N o Fu ses 3 Fu ses 3 L ig h ts Code A p p ro x . W e ig h t
+ --> S u ffix S u ffix S u ffix (F ig . 3 ) Lbs. Kg
2 4 0 V o lt, 3 P h a s e (1 )
1 .0 65L800 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 9 4 .1
1 .5 65L801 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 9 4 .1
2 .0 65L802 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 9 4 .1
2 .5 65L803 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 9 4 .1
3 .0 65L804 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 9 4 .1
4 .0 65L805 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 10 4 .5
5 .0 65L806 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 10 4 .5
6 .0 65L807 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 11 5 .0
7 .5 65L808 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 15 6 .8
1 0 .0 65L809 TL1 TN1 TQ1 4 15 6 .8
1 2 .5 65L810 TL1 TN1 TQ1 5 19 8 .6
1 5 .0 65L811 TL1 TN1 TQ1 5 19 8 .6
1 7 .5 65L812 TL1 TN1 TQ1 5 22 1 0 .0
2 0 .0 65L813 TL1 TN1 TQ1 5 22 1 0 .0
2 2 .5 65L814 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 32 1 4 .5
2 5 .0 65L815 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 32 1 4 .5
2 7 .5 65L816 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 32 1 4 .5
3 0 .0 65L817 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 32 1 4 .5
3 2 .5 65L818 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 36 1 6 .3
3 5 .0 65L819 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 38 1 7 .2
3 7 .5 65L820 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 38 1 7 .2
4 0 .O 65L821 TL1 TN1 TQ1 6 38 1 7 .2
4 8 0 V o lt, 3 -P h a s e (1 )
1 .0 65L800 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
1 .5 65L801 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
2 .0 65L802 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
2 .5 65L803 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
3 .0 65L804 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
4 .0 65L805 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
5 .0 65L806 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
6 .0 65L807 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 9 4 .1
7 .5 65L808 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 10 4 .5
1 0 .0 65L809 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 10 4 .5
1 2 .5 65L810 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 10 4 .5
1 5 .0 65L811 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 13 5 .9
1 7 .5 65L812 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 13 5 .9
2 0 .0 65L813 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 13 5 .9
2 2 .5 65L814 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 13 5 .9
2 5 .0 65L815 TA1 TC1 TE1 4 13 5 .9
2 7 .5 65L816 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 19 8 .6
3 0 .0 65L817 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 19 8 .6
3 2 .5 65L818 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 19 8 .6
3 5 .0 65L819 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 19 8 .6
3 7 .5 65L820 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 19 8 .6
4 0 .0 65L821 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 22 1 0 .0
4 2 .5 65L822 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 22 1 0 .0
4 5 .0 65L823 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 22 1 0 .0
4 7 .5 65L824 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 22 1 0 .0
5 0 .0 65L825 TA1 TC1 TE1 5 22 1 0 .0
5 5 .0 65L826 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 32 1 4 .5
6 0 .0 65L827 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 32 1 4 .5
6 5 .0 65L828 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 32 1 4 .5
7 0 .0 65L829 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 33 1 5 .0
7 5 .0 65L830 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 33 1 5 .0
8 0 .0 65L831 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 38 1 7 .2
8 5 .0 65L832 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 38 1 7 .2
9 0 .0 65L833 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 38 1 7 .2
9 5 .0 65L834 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 38 1 7 .2
1 0 0 .0 65L835 TA1 TC1 TE1 6 38 1 7 .2
6 0 0 V o lt, 3 -p h a s e
1.0 65L800 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
1.5 65L801 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
2.0 65L802 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
2.5 65L803 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
3.0 65L804 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
4.0 65L805 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 9 4.1
5.0 65L806 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 10 4.5
6.0 65L807 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 10 4.5
7.5 65L808 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 10 4.5
10.0 65L809 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 12 5.4
12.5 65L810 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 12 5.4
15.0 65L811 TF1 TH1 TK1 4 12 5.4
17.5 65L812 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 19 8.6
20.0 65L813 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 19 8.6
22.5 65L814 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 19 8.6
25.0 65L815 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 21 9.5
27.5 65L816 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 21 9.5
30.0 65L817 TF1 TH1 TK1 5 21 9.5
32.5 65L818 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 31 14.1
35.0 65L819 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 31 14.1
37.5 65L820 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 31 14.1
40.0 65L821 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 31 14.1
42.5 65L822 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 32 14.5
45.0 65L823 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 32 14.5
47.5 65L824 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 36 16.3
50.0 65L825 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 36 16.3
55.0 65L826 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 36 16.3
60.0 65L827 TF1 TH1 TK1 6 36 16.3
Note 1: Consult Factory for Single Phase Product

Data subject to Change Without Notice

9
GE Capacitor g
Type GEM® Low Voltage Power Factor Correction Capacitors
GEM® Series Multi-Unit Indoor/Outdoor Assemblies

Available Ratings: Not for harmonic applications

· 240 volt, 42.5 - 200 kVAR, single and 3-phase, 60 Hz
To determine kVAR at 208 volts, multiply 240 volt kVAR by
.75
· 480 volt, 110 - 500 kVAR, single and 3-phase, 60 Hz
· 600 volt, 65 - 300 kVAR, 3-phase, 60 Hz
· UL Listed, CSA Labeled
· Discharge resistors reduce voltage to 50 volts or less within
one minute
· Enclosure NEMA 3 & 12
· Factory installed fuses and blown fuse indicating lights
(Optional)
· Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) in each cell

GEM® assemblies feature multiple capacitor cells with metal-

lized polypropylene film dielectric which provides instanta-
neous self-healing action and reduced energy losses. Safety is
provided with the patented GE internal Pressure Sensitive
Interrupter (PSI) designed to sense the buildup of pressure if a
fault occurs and to interrupt the internal electrical connections
before the capacitor cell can rupture. GEM® cells feature time
proven Dielektrol®, a biodegradable NFPA Class IIIB dielectric
fluid. GEM® offers high reliability and long life and is suitable Mounting
for operation over a temperature range of -40°C to 46°C.
GEM series equipments are designed to be
Line Fuse/Blown Fuse Indicating Lights mounted upright on any level surface. An adapter
kit is required for wall mounting. Order the wall
When fuses are specified, GE provides 100 KAIC and 200 mounting kit by Cat. No. 186C323600005.
KAIC interrupting capacity fuses for up to 12.5 kVAR and
larger ratings respectively. Blown fuse indicating lights are also Line Connection and Cable Entrance
an option. Order by appropriate BASIC CATALOG number
plus the appropriate accessory SUFFIX for a complete catalog Entrance may be made through either end panel
number. (after first punching out the appropriate size hole).
Solderless connectors are provided on each phase.

SIZE # OF UNITS A B C D
CODE INCLUDED Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm
7 2 17 431.8 21 533.4 23.5 596.9 25 635
8 3 27 685.8 31 787.4 33.5 850.9 35 889
9 4 37 939.8 41 1041.4 43.5 1104.9 45 1143
10 5 47 1193.8 51 1295.4 53.5 1358.9 55 1397

Data subject to Change Without Notice

10
g GE Capacitor
G E M ®M u lti-U n it S ele ctio n T a b le :

B a s ic 3 F u ses S iz e
kVA R C a t. N o . N o F u ses 3 Fuses 3 L ig h ts Code A p p ro x . W e ig h t
+ --> S u ffix S u ffix S u ffix (F ig . 4 ) Lbs. Kg
2 4 0 V o lt, 3 -p h a s e (1 )
4 2 .5 65L900 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
4 5 .0 65L901 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
4 7 .5 65L902 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
5 0 .0 65L903 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
5 5 .0 65L904 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
6 0 .0 65L905 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 87 3 9 .5
6 5 .0 65L906 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 93 4 2 .2
7 0 .0 65L907 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 99 4 4 .9
7 5 .0 65L908 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 99 4 4 .9
8 0 .0 65L909 TL2 TN2 TQ2 7 99 4 4 .9
8 5 .0 65L910 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 136 6 1 .7
9 0 .0 65L911 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 130 5 9 .0
9 5 .0 65L912 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 136 6 1 .7
1 0 0 .0 65L913 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 136 6 1 .7
1 1 0 .0 65L914 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 148 6 7 .1
1 2 0 .0 65L915 TL2 TN2 TQ2 8 148 6 7 .1
1 2 5 .0 65L916 TL2 TN2 TQ2 9 178 8 0 .7
1 3 0 .0 65L917 TL2 TN2 TQ2 9 178 8 0 .7
1 4 0 .0 65L918 TL2 TN2 TQ2 9 184 8 3 .5
1 5 0 .0 65L919 TL2 TN2 TQ2 9 196 8 8 .9
1 6 0 .0 65L920 TL2 TN2 TQ2 9 196 8 8 .9
1 7 0 .0 65L921 TL2 TN2 TQ2 10 233 1 0 5 .7
1 7 5 .0 65L922 TL2 TN2 TQ2 10 245 1 1 1 .1
1 8 0 .0 65L923 TL2 TN2 TQ2 10 233 1 0 5 .7
1 9 0 .0 65L924 TL2 TN2 TQ2 10 236 1 0 7 .1
2 0 0 .0 65L925 TL2 TN2 TQ2 10 245 1 1 1 .1
4 8 0 V o lt, 3 -p h a s e (1 )
1 1 0 .0 65L914 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 87 3 9 .5
1 2 0 .0 65L915 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 87 3 9 .5
1 2 5 .0 65L916 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 87 3 9 .5
1 3 0 .0 65L917 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 87 3 9 .5
1 4 0 .0 65L918 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 89 4 0 .8
1 5 0 .0 65L919 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 89 4 0 .8
1 6 0 .0 65L920 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
1 7 0 .0 65L921 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
1 7 5 .0 65L922 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
1 8 0 .0 65L923 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
1 9 0 .0 65L924 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
2 0 0 .0 65L925 TA2 TC2 TE 2 7 99 4 4 .9
2 1 0 .0 65L926 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 136 6 1 .7
2 2 0 .0 65L927 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 136 6 1 .7
2 3 0 .0 65L928 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 136 6 1 .7
2 4 0 .0 65L929 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 138 6 2 .6
2 5 0 .0 65L930 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 138 6 2 .6
2 6 0 .0 65L931 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 142 6 4 .4
2 7 0 .0 65L932 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 143 6 4 .9
2 8 0 .0 65L933 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 148 6 7 .1
2 9 0 .0 65L934 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 148 6 7 .1
3 0 0 .0 65L935 TA2 TC2 TE 2 8 148 6 7 .1
3 2 5 .0 65L936 TA2 TC2 TE 2 9 181 8 2 .1
3 5 0 .0 65L937 TA2 TC2 TE 2 9 186 8 4 .4
3 7 5 .0 65L338 TA2 TC2 TE 2 9 191 8 6 .6
4 0 0 .0 65L939 TA2 TC2 TE 2 9 196 8 8 .9
4 2 5 .0 65L940 TA2 TC2 TE 2 10 230 1 0 4 .3
4 5 0 .0 65L941 TA2 TC2 TE 2 10 235 1 0 6 .6
4 7 5 .0 65L942 TA2 TC2 TE 2 10 240 1 0 8 .9
5 0 0 .0 65L943 TA2 TC2 TE 2 10 245 1 1 1 .1
6 0 0 V o lt, 3 -p h a s e
6 5 .0 65L906 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
7 0 .0 65L907 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
7 5 .0 65L908 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
8 0 .0 65L909 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
8 5 .0 65L910 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
9 0 .0 65L911 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 87 3 9 .5
9 5 .0 65L912 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 95 4 3 .1
1 0 0 .0 65L913 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 95 4 3 .1
1 1 0 .0 65L914 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 95 4 3 .1
1 2 0 .0 65L915 TF2 TH 2 TK2 7 95 4 3 .1
1 2 5 .0 65L916 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 134 6 0 .8
1 3 0 .0 65L917 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 134 6 0 .8
1 4 0 .0 65L918 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 134 6 0 .8
1 5 0 .0 65L919 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 134 6 0 .8
1 6 0 .0 65L920 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 138 6 2 .6
1 7 0 .0 65L921 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 142 6 4 .4
1 7 5 .0 65L922 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 142 6 4 .4
1 8 0 .0 65L923 TF2 TH 2 TK2 8 142 6 4 .4
1 9 0 .0 65L924 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 180 8 1 .6
2 0 0 .0 65L925 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 180 8 1 .6
2 1 0 .0 65L326 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 180 8 1 .6
2 2 0 .0 65L927 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 184 8 3 .5
2 3 0 .0 65L928 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 188 8 5 .3
2 4 0 .0 65L929 TF2 TH 2 TK2 9 188 8 5 .3
2 5 0 .0 65L930 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 227 1 0 3 .0
2 6 0 .0 65L931 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 227 1 0 3 .0
2 7 0 .0 65L932 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 227 1 0 3 .0
2 8 0 .0 65L933 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 231 1 0 4 .8
2 9 0 .0 65L934 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 235 1 0 6 .6
3 0 0 .0 65L935 TF2 TH 2 TK2 10 235 1 0 6 .6

Data subject to Change Without Notice Note 1: Consult Factory for Single Phase Product

11
GE Capacitor g

GEMATIC™ Select
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz

Standard Equipment Features

•Correction to unity power factor, if desired.
•UL and cUL listed.
•NEMA 1 steel cabinet enclosure with ANSI #70 light grey
paint. Top entry, right side.
•Dust-tight electrical compartment.
•Dimensions are 48” W x 24”D x 90”H
•Removable lifting eyes.
•Safety door interlock to prevent door from being opened
while equipment is energized.
•Microprocessor-based controller with built-in voltage and
harmonic alarms provides safe and rapid indication of
potential or real failure. Digital display of power factor,
current and capacitor step status.
•Manual switching capability.
•External current transformer connections provided.
•75 KAIC bracing.
•Capacitor stage display.
•Air core inductors to limit inrush currents and
transients.
•Industrial duty, metallized electrode capacitors, employing
200 KAIC current-limiting fuses in all 3 phases.
•Plated copper bus.
•Lockable door handle.
•Designed to minimize installation time and costs.
•Convection cooling - no fans required.
•Ratings: 300 KVAR maximum at 240 volts
600 KVAR maximum at 480 and 600 volts

Optional Equipment Features

•Blown fuse indicator lights
•Outdoor NEMA 4/12 enclosure
•Split core current transformer
•Molded-case circuit breaker internally mounted
with external operator
•UL listed service entrance
•Hand-off auto switches
•100 KAIC bracing
•Power on/off switch
•Bottom entry (Entry location right side of enclosure)

12
g GE Capacitor

™
GEMATIC Select
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz
240 • 480 • 600 Volts • 3 Phase • 60Hz
Outline Dimensions (inches)
3 Phase KVAR Weight
Volts
KVAR Catalog No. Per Step Lbs 14”
3” 3”
50 37FC3050D10 10 928
100 37FC4100D25 25 1050
125 37FC5125D25 25 1099 16”
TOP
150 37FC6150D25 25 1149
240
175 37FC7175D25 25 1198
200 37FC8200D25 25 1248
225 37FC9225D25 25 1298
250 37FC10250D25 25 1347 48”
300 37FC12300D25 25 1446
100 37FC3100F25 25 976 FRONT
125 37FC3125F25 25 988
150 37FC3150F50 50 1000
175 37FC4175F25 25 1038
200 37FC4200F50 50 1050
225 37FC5225F25 25 1085
250 37FC5250F50 50 1099 90”
275 37FC6275F25 25 1136
300 37FC6300F50 50 1149
480 325 37FC7325F25 25 1186
350 37FC7350F50 50 1198
375 37FC8375F25 25 1235
400 37FC8400F50 50 1248
425 37FC9425F25 25 1285
450 37FC9450F50 50 1298
475 37FC10475F25 25 1334
24” 2” MIN.
500 37FC10500F50 50 1347
525 37FC11525F25 25 1384 3” OUTDOOR
550 37FC11550F50 50 1397 10”
575 37FC12575F25 25 1433
3”
600 37FC12600F50 50 1446
16”
100 37FC3100H25 25 976
125 37FC3125H25 25 988 SIDE
150 37FC3150H50 50 1000
175 37FC4175H25 25 1038
200 37FC4200H50 50 1050
225 37FC5225H25 25 1085
250 37FC5250H50 50 1099
275 37FC6275H25 25 1136
300 37FC6300H50 50 1149
325 37FC7325H25 25 1186
350 37FC7350H50 50 1198
375 37FC8375H25 25 1235 9 x 1/2” HOLE
600 400 37FC8400H50 50 1248
425 37FC9425H25 25 1285
450 37FC9450H50 50 1298 BOTTOM
10”
475 37FC10475H25 25 1334
500 37FC10500H50 50 1347 10”
525 37FC11525H25 25 1384
1/2” 47”
550 37FC11550H50 50 1397
SCREEN
575 37FC12575H25 25 1433
600 37FC12600H50 50 1446

NOTE: For blown fuse indicator lights add “L” to Catalog

Number. Refer to Savings & Applications Guide for
sizing cables and switches.

Data subject to Change Without Notice 13

GE Capacitor g

™
GEMATIC Compact
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz

Standard Equipment Features

•Correction to unity power factor, if desired.
•UL and cUL listed.
•NEMA 1 12-gauge steel cabinet enclosure with
ANSI #70 light grey paint.
•Dimensions are 33” W x 16.25”D x 90”H.
•Removable lifting eyes.
•Safety door interlock to prevent door from being opened
while equipment is energized.
•Microprocessor-based controller with built-in voltage and
harmonic alarms provides safe and rapid indication of
potential or real failure. Digital display of power factor,
current, and capacitor step status.
•Manual switching capability.
•External current transformer connections provided.
•50 KAIC bracing.
•Plated copper bus.
•LED capacitor stage display.
•Air core inductors to limit inrush currents and
transients.
•Industrial duty, UL recognized safety disconnect, metallized
dielectric capacitors, less than 0.2 watts per KVAR losses
employing 200 kAIC current limiting fuses in all 3 phases.
•Designed to minimize installation time and costs.
•Top entry only.
•Convection cooling - no fans required.
•Ratings:120 KVAR maximum at 240 volts
300 KVAR maximum at 480 and 600 volts

Optional Equipment Features

•Blown fuse indicator lights
•Split core current transformer
•Hand-off auto switches
•Molded case circuit breaker internally
mounted with external operator
•60” high model also available - 200 KVAR maxi-
mum at 480 volts - breaker not available
•Power on/off switch

14
g GE Capacitor
™
GEMATIC Compact
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz

Outline Dimensions (inches)

240 • 480 • 600 Volts • 3 Phase • 60Hz
3 Phase KVAR Weight
Volts KVAR Catalog No. Per Step (Lbs) 33.00
16.25
40 37FJ2040D20 20 499
60 37FJ3060D20 20 572
240 80 37FJ4080D20 20 602
100 37FJ5100D20 20 630
120 37FJ6120D20 20 662
90.0
100 37FJ2100F50 50 499
100 37FJ3100F25 25 542
125 37FJ3125F25 25 565
150 37FJ3150F50 50 572
480 175 37FJ4175F25 25 595
200 37FJ4200F50 50 602
225 37FJ5225F25 25 625
250 37FJ5250F50 50 630
275 37FJ6275F25 25 655
300 37FJ6300F50 50 662
100 37FJ2100H50 50 499
100 37FJ3100H25 25 542
125 37FJ3125H25 25 565
150 37FJ3150H50 50 572
600 175 37FJ4175H25 25 595
200 37FJ4200H50 50 602
225 37FJ5225H25 25 625 7.5 2
250 37FJ5250H50 50 630 18

275 37FJ6275H25 25 655

300 37FJ6300H50 50 662 8

Consult factory for other sizes.

1 1/2 Ø 4 PCLS

13.00

1.00
31.25

Data subject to Change Without Notice

15
GE Capacitor
™
GEMATIC Custom
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz
GEMATIC ™Custom
Designed for systems that require KVAR ratings with
and without harmonic suppression reactors. Readily adapted
to meet specific requirements. Easily expanded and easy to
retrofit with harmonic suppression reactors.
GEMATIC ™Custom Features
•Designed and built to “match and line up” with motor
control centers and switchgear.
•Industrial rated design and specifications.
•Dimensions are 90” H x 36” D. Each modular section is
24” W, designed to hold up to 400 kVAR, 480/600 volts.
•Modular design permits sizing of cabinet to allow for
future expansion requirements.
•Correction to unity power factor, if desired.
•NEMA 1 steel cabinet enclosure with ANSI #70 light grey
paint, 12-gauge frame and 14-gauge panels.
•Removable lifting eyes.
•UL and cUL listed.
•Microprocessor-based controller with built-in voltage,
temperature, and harmonic alarms provides safe and rapid
indication of potential or real failure. Digital display of
power factor, current, and capacitor step status.
•Manual switching capability.
•External current transformer connections provided.
•75 KAIC bracing.
•Plated copper bus.
•Top entry, right hand feed.
•Capacitor stage display.
•Industrial duty, metallized electrode capacitors, employing
200 KAIC current-limiting fuses in all 3 phases.
•Air core inductors to limit inrush currents
and transients. (Not required when tuned reactors are
utilized.)
•Designed to minimize installation time and costs.
•Door interlock to prevent entry while system
is energized.
•Lockable door handle.
•Convection cooling - no fans required.
16
g
Optional Equipment Features
•Blown fuse indicator lights
•Outdoor NEMA 3R enclosure.
•Split core current transformer.
•Molded case circuit breaker internally mounted
with external operator or system breaker.
•Stainless steel enclosure.
•UL listed service entrance.
•Hand-off auto switches.
•Reverse layout. (Left hand feed.)
•Bottom entry. (May impact cabinet size)
•Harmonic suppression, tuned 4.7th reactors.
•72” high enclosure.
•Power on/off switch
GEMATIC ™ Custom System with
Harmonic Suppression Reactors
Many of today’s power systems require modern solutions to
power factor correction. The rapid increase in non-linear
load devices, such as variable speed drives,
AC/DC drives, arc-furnaces, and welders, has resulted in
severe harmonic loads on power systems.
GE has more than ten years of experience in preventing
the occurrence of non-sinusoidal resonance. Successful
integration in tuned L-C networks solves the problem of
parallel resonance.
The GEMATIC™ Custom automatic power factor correction
systems with 3-phase harmonic suppression reactors are
application-specific. Accordingly, each installation requires
specific information to aid GE Application Engineers in
designing a system to meet your requirements.
This information should include, but not be limited to,
KVAR requirements, transformer size and impedance,
KVAsc of the transformer, and a harmonic profile of your
system. Load characteristics at the time of the survey and
worst case should also be included.
The GEMATIC™ Custom systems may be configured for
the addition of harmonic suppression reactors in the
future to meet the imminent needs of your system. This
reduces initial investment and provides a ready made
retrofit package.
The GEMATIC Custom system provides total flexibility
in achieving maximum automatic power factor correc-
tion. Please contact GE for any assistance with your
particular power factor correction and harmonic suppres-
sion needs.
g GE Capacitor
™
GEMATIC Custom
Automatic system • 240 - 480 - 600 volts • 3 phase • 60 Hz

GEMATIC™ Custom
KVAR Weight (lbs) Enclosure
Volts KVAR Catalog No. Per Step without reactors with reactors Width (in/mm)
100 38FP4100D255 25 1094 1634 48”/1219mm
150 38FP6150D255 25 1223 2033 48”/1219mm
200 38FP8200D255 25 1352 2432 72”/1829mm
240 225 38FP9225D255 25 1417 2632 72”/1829mm1
250 38FP10250D255 25 1481 2831 72”/1829mm1
300 38FP12300D255 25 1610 3230 96”/2438mm
200 38FP3200F505 50 686 997 24”/609mm1
250 38FP3250F505 50 713 1071 24”/609mm1
300 38FP3300FA05 100 740 1145 24”/609mm1
350 38FP4350F505 50 1067 1560 48”/1219mm
400 38FP4400FA05 100 1094 1634 48”/1219mm
450 * 38FP5450F505 50 1132 1760 48”/1219mm
500 * 38FP5500FA05 100 1159 1834 48”/1219mm
550 * 38FP6550F505 50 1196 1959 48”/1219mm
600 * 38FP6600FA05 100 1223 2033 48”/1219mm
650 38FP7650F505 50 1261 2159 48”/1219mm1 1 - Enclosure width increases 24”/609mm w/breaker.
480/
600 700 * 38FP7700FA05 100 1288 2233 48”/1219mm1 2 - Enclosure width increases 32”/813mm w/breaker.
750 38FP8750F505 50 1615 2648 72”/1829mm
3 - Enclosure width increases 8”/203mm w/breaker.
800 38FP8800FA05 100 1642 2722 72”/1829mm
850 38FP9850F505 50 1680 2848 72”/1829mm
* Top entry only; consult factory for bottom entry.
900 * 38FP9900FA05 100 1707 2922 72”/1829mm1
950 38FP10950F505 50 1744 3047 72”/1829mm1 Notes:
1000 * 38FP10A00FA05 100 1771 3121 72”/1829mm1
1100 * 38FP11B00FA05 100 1836 3321 72”/1829mm2 Banks larger than 2400 kVAR
1200 38FP12C00FA05 100 2190 3810 96”/2438mm3 available. 50 KVAR steps available 200 to 2400
1300 * 38FP13D00FA05 100 2255 4010 96”/2438mm2 KVAR - contact factory for part numbers and sizes.
1400 * 38FP14E00FA05 100 2319 4209 96”/2438mm2
Larger kVAR sizes available; contact factory for sizes.

Outline Dimensions (inches)

Data subject to Change Without Notice

17
GE Capacitor g
Fixed - Low Voltage Capacitor Equipment
GEMTRAP
Application
The proliferation of electronic equipment used to improve Engineering Specifications
efficiencies and provide more reliable performance causes Fixed PowerFactor Capacitor Equipment
harmonics on power systems. Equipment such as variable speed
AC and DC drives, uninterruptible power supplies, switching Applicable Standards:
power supplies and other solid state controls or devices inject NEMA, IEEE/ANSI, NEC
non-linear components into what was a linear system. The
application of power factor correction capacitor systems can Ratings:
create unwanted increases in harmonic voltage and current unless 240V, 5 to 60 WAR-3 ph
the capacitors are properly applied with reactors, in series with 480 V. 5 to 200 WAR-3 ph
the capacitor, to suppress harmful harmonics. 600 V; 10 to 200 kVAR-3ph

GE’s line of fixed harmonic suppression capacitors permits the
installation of power factor correction capacitors on systems
with nonlinear components. The GEMTRAP system can be
tuned to any desired frequency but is normally tuned to the
fifth harmonic.
Design
The installation of this system is application specific. Contact the
GE Sales office or the factory to ensure that the proper combina-
tion of capacitors and reactors is used. Misapplication may result
without proper guidance.
Capacitor Cell:
• Industrial Rated Capacitors.
Equipment Construction:
• Enclosure and wiring hood: Indoor/outdoor gasketed heavy
gauge steel. Finished with a zinc rich primer and an ANSI
#70, enamel overcoat. Louvered panels around reactors
for protection and cooling.
• Mounting:
Floor mounting.
• Capacitor Fuses:
UL recognized, designed specifically for capacitor applications.
Rated 600 VAC; 200kAIC. Fast acting and current limiting; provide
protection from catastrophic failures. Three phase fusing standard.
• Aluminum Connecting Bus for Parallel Cells
• Input Connections: Listed Cu/AI Mechanical wire connectors,
sized for KVAR requirements, mounted on top of bus for easy
access.
•Harmonic Reactor

Options:
• Blown fuse lights.
• Consult factory for larger kVAR requirements.
• Consult factory for custom applications

System Analysis Requirements:

Primary:____________________Volts
Transformer: L-L_____________ kVA
Secondary: Volts
Transformer: kVA
Transformer impedance: %
Fundamental Freq: Hz
Total System Load: KW
Power Factor:
Existing:_________%
Desired:_________%

Include One-Line diagram, if available.

Harmonic Analysis: Voltage/Current Spectrum

18
 g GE Capacitor

Fixed - Low Voltage Harmonic Capacitor Equipment

Note: Do not apply Harmonic Filters without a detailed analysis of the power system.

Basic Caps with Reactors Approx. WT

GEMTRAP
Part No. Incl. (3) Fuses

Volts kVAR Fig. Lbs(kg)

240 25 38FH1025D333F 1 195(88)
240 35 38FH2035D333F 2 341(155)
240 40 38FH2040D333F 2 346(157)
240 45 38FH2045D333F 2 351 (160)
240 50 38FH2050D333F 2 356(162)
480 25 38FH1025F333F 1 159(72)
480 30 38FH1030F333F 1 191(87)
480 40 38FH1040F333F 1 197(90)
480 50 38FH1050F333F 1 202(92)
480 75 38FH7075F333F 1 235 (107)
480 80 38FH1080F333F 1 263 (120)
480 100 38FH1100F333F 1 279(127)
480 120 38FH2120F333F 2 424(195)
480 125 38FH2125F333F 2 447(203)
480 140 38FH2140F333F 2 500(227)
480 150 38FH2150F333F 2 514(234)
480 175 38FH2175F333F 2 524(238)
480 200 38FH2200F333F 2 568(258)
600 25 38FH1025H333F 1 159 (72)
600 30 38FH1030H333F 1 191(87)
600 40 38FH1040H333F 1 196 (89)
600 50 38FH1050H333F 1 196(89)
600 75 38FH1075H333F 1 245(111)
600 80 38FH1080H333F 1 248 (113)
600 100 38FH1100H333F 1 271(123)
600 120 38FH2120H333F 2 484(220) (Ref. only)
600 125 38FH2125H333F 2 487(221)
600 140 38FH2140H333F 2 495(225) Three-phase, 60Hz
600 150 38FH2150H333F 2 500(227) 240, 480, 600 Volts
600 175 38FH2175H333F 2 526(239) NEMA 1 Enclosure
600 200 38FH2200H333F 2 552(251) Normally tuned for the 5th Harmonic.
Can be tuned to any desired frequency.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Data subject to Change Without Notice

19
GE Capacitor g
Type GEM™ Low Voltage Power Factor Correction Capacitors
OFW Series for Outdoor Pumping Installations

Available Ratings: Not for harmonic applications

· 240 volt, 1-15 kVAR, 3-phase, 60 Hz

To determine kVAR at 208 volts, multiply 240 volt kVAR by
.75
· 480 volt, 1-30 kVAR, 3-phase, 60 Hz
· 4-ft., 4-conductor flexible cable
· Watertight connector
· UL Recognized Pressure Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) in each
cell
· Discharge resistors reduce voltage to 50 volts or less within
1 minute
· Enclosure NEMA 3

GEM® assemblies feature multiple capacitor cells with

metallized polypropylene film dielectric which provides
instantaneous self-healing action and reduced energy losses.
Safety is provided with the patented GE internal Pressure
Sensitive Interrupter (PSI) designed to sense the buildup of
pressure if a fault occurs and to interrupt the internal electrical
connections before the capacitor cell can rupture. GEM® cells
feature time-proven Dielektrol®, a biodegradable NFPA Class
IIIB dielectric fluid. GEM® offers high reliability and long life
and is suitable for operation over a temperature range of -40°C
to +46°C.

Mounting

GEM® OFW series units are designed for outdoor pole or wall
mounting. Their application, however, may be extended to
other motor applications installed indoor or outdoor.

Line Connection and Cable Entrance

A 4 ft. 4-conductor flexible cable with watertight connector is

provided for easy installation.

20
g GE Capacitor

OFW Selection Table:

Dimensions (Fig. 6)
Approx.
Catalog Cable A B Weight
kVAR Number Size Inch mm Inch mm Lbs Kg
240 Volt
1 65L550TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
1.5 65L551TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
2 65L552TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
2.5 65L553TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.8 3.5
3 65L554TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.8 3.5
4 65L555TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 8.5 3.9
5 65L556TL1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 8.5 3.9
6 65L557TL1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 10.2 4.6
7.5 65L558TL1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
10 65L559TL1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
12.5 65L560TL1 8 5.94 151 8.15 207 14.9 6.8
15 65L561TL1 8 5.94 151 8.15 207 14.9 6.8
480 Volt
1 65L550TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
1.5 65L551TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
2 65L552TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
2.5 65L553TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
3 65L554TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
4 65L555TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
5 65L556TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.5 3.4
6 65L557TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 7.8 3.5
7.5 65L558TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 8.5 3.9
10 65L559TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 8.5 3.9
12.5 65L560TA1 12 5.90 150 3.18 81 8.5 3.9
15 65L561TA1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
17.5 65L562TA1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
20 65L563TA1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
22.5 65L564TA1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
25 65L565TA1 8 5.94 151 5.54 141 11.7 5.3
27.5 65L566TA1 8 5.94 151 8.15 207 14.9 6.8
30 65L567TA1 8 5.94 151 8.15 207 14.9 6.8

Fig. 6

Data subject to Change Without Notice

21
GE Capacitor g
Type HWT Medium Voltage Power Factor Correction Capacitors
HWT Indoor/Outdoor Equipments

These medium voltage capacitor equipments are suitable for use on primary circuits where
small amounts of kVAR are required. They may be installed at various load centers or directly
at the terminals of 2300 and 4000 volt motors.

Available Ratings: Not for harmonic

applications Mounting
· 2400V, 25 - 825 kVAR, 3-phase, Delta, 60 Hz HWT equipments are designed to be mounted upright
· 4160V, 25 - 900 kVAR, 3-phase, Delta, 60 Hz on any level surface.
· 4800V, 25 - 900 kVAR, 3-phase, Delta, 60 Hz
· NEMA three terminal compartment
Line Connection and Cable Entrance
· Two of three phases are fused, optional third fuse
available
Entrance may be made through either end panel of the
· Discharge resistors reduce residual voltage to 50 volts
terminal compartment (after first punching out the
or less within 5 minutes of de-energization
appropriate size hole).
HWT’s Film/Foil capacitors offer an energy efficient
Solderless connectors are provided on each phase.
polypropylene film dielectric. This heavy duty conven-
tional film dielectric system is designed to handle unusual
overvoltages and overcurrents without reducing capacitor Assembly Connector Size
life. The Film/Foil dielectric results in low watts per one unit #10-#4
kVAR power consumption during capacitor operation. two unit #14-1/0
The less than 0.2 watts per kVAR losses and correspond- three unit #6 - 250 MCM
ing low internal heat generation mean low operating
temperatures for the Film/Foil capacitor, a significant
factor in extending capacitor life. Film/Foil designs
feature time-proven Dielektrol®, a biodegradable NFPA
Class IIIB dielectric fluid. This design offers high Blown Fuse Lights
reliability and long life and is suitable for operation over a
temperature range of -40°C to +46°C.
Blown fuse lights provide a positive external indica-
tion of an operated fuse. A glowing light makes
Line Fuses inspection of capacitors easy, effective and safe. A
120 VAC source must be supplied externally. When
GE provides 50,000 amp interrupting capacity current ordered with this option, the HWT assembly is
limiting fuses. A pop-up button gives visual indication of supplied with one light per capacitor.
blown fuse.
Note: To order Blown Fuse Light option add “100” to
Note: NEC Article 460-8B requires capacitors to have the last 3 digits of the standard part number.
overcurrent protection in all ungrounded conductors Ex: 37F0524436 becomes 37F0524536.
(except if connected on the load side of a motor overload
protective device). Three-phase capacitors fused only on For CSA tested and labeled equipment and units add
two phases will not provide adequate protection if a line- 037 suffix to catalog number.
to-ground faults should occur in the unfused phase.

22
g GE Capacitor

HWT Selection Table:

C o m plete A ssem blie s In clud in g Te rm inal B o x, F uses and M o un tin g Fram e
D im ension s
kV A R 2400-volt 4160-volt 4800-volt Fig. A pprox.
A ssem blies A ssem blies A ssem blies N o. W eight C E F
C atalog C atalog C atalog
N um ber N um ber N um ber Lb Kg Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm
In divid ual U nits - W ith Term inal B oxes and 2 Fu ses per unit
25 37F0520411 37F0523411 37F0526411 1 54 25 24.44 621 3.71 94 -- --
50 37F0520412 37F0523412 37F0526412 1 59 27 26.06 662 5.34 136 -- --
75 37F0520413 37F0523413 37F0526413 1 64 29 27.68 703 6.96 177 -- --
100 37F0520414 37F0523414 37F0526414 1 69 31 29.44 748 8.71 221 0.75 19
125 37F0520415 37F0523415 37F0526415 1 76 35 30.18 767 9.46 240
0.50 13
150 37F0520416 37F0523416 37F0526423 1 81 37 32.68 830 11.96 304
175 37F0520418 37F0523418 37F0526425 1 86 39 33.35 847 12.63 321 0.17 4
200 37F0520417 37F0523417 37F0526424 1 92 42 33.35 847 12.63 321 0.17 4
225 37F0520419 37F0523419 37F0526426 1 103 47 36.06 916 18.33 466 0.88 22
250 37F0520420 37F0523420 37F0526427 1 103 47 36.06 916 18.33 466 0.88 22
275 37F0520421 37F0523421 37F0526428 1 114 52 39.06 992 18.33 466 -- --
300 37F0523422 37F0526429 1 114 52 39.06 992 18.33 466 -- --
Tw o U nits Interconn ected-W ith T erm inal B o x, 2 Fu ses per unit and M oun ting Fram e
300 37F0521415 2 149 68 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
325 37F0521416 37F0524416 37F0527420 2 154 70 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
350 37F0521417 37F0524417 37F0527417 2 159 72 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
375 37F0521419 37F0524419 37F0527421 2 165 75 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
400 37F0521418 37F0524418 37F0527418 2 171 78 33.43 849 12.70 323
425 37F0521420 37F0524420 37F0527422 2 181 82
- - - -
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
450 37F0521421 37F0524421 37F0527423 2 192 87 39.18 995 18.45 469
475 37F0521422 37F0524422 37F0527424 2 192 87 - - - -
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
500 37F0521423 37F0524423 37F0527425 2 192 87
39.18 995 18.45 469
525 37F0521424 37F0524424 37F0527426 2 203 92 - - - -
550 37F0521425 37F0524425 37F0527427 2 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469
- - - -
575 37F0524426 37F0527428 2 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469
- - - -
600 37F0524427 37F0527429 2 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469
Three U nits Interco nnected-W ith Term inal B ox, 2 Fuses p er u nit and M ou ntin g Fram e
575 37F0522422 3 248 113 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
600 37F0522421 3 254 115 33.43 849 12.70 323 - - - -
625 37F0522423 37F0525423 37F0528422 3 265 120 39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
650 37F0522424 37F0525424 37F0528423 3 276 125 39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
675 37F0522425 37F0525425 37F0528424 3 287 130 39.18 995 18.45 469
700 37F0522426 37F0525426 37F0528425 3 298 130
- - - -
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
725 37F0522427 37F0525427 37F0528426 3 298 130
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
750 37F0522428 37F0525428 37F0528427 3 298 130
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
775 37F0522429 37F0525429 37F0528428 3 309 135
39.18 995 18.45 469
800 37F0522430 37F0525430 37F0528429 3 320 140 - - - -
825 37F0522430 37F0525431 37F0528430 3 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469
- - - -
850 37F0525432 37F0528431 3 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469
- - - -
875 37F0525433 37F0528432 3 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469
39.18 995 18.45 469 - - - -
900 37F0525434 37F0528433 3 331 145

Data subject to Change Without Notice

23
GE Capacitor g
Individual Units — With Terminal Box and 3 Fuses Per Unit
Dimensions
2400 volt 4160 volt 4800 volt Fig Approx.
kVAr Assemblies Assemblies Assemblies . Weight C E F
Catalog Catalog Catalog No.
Lb kg in. mm in. mm in. mm
Number Number Number
25 37F0520431 37F0523431 37F0526431 4 64 29 27.68 703 6.96 177 --- ---
50 37F0520432 37F0523432 37F0526432 4 64 29 27.68 703 6.96 177 --- ---
75 37F0520433 37F0523433 37F0526433 4 64 29 27.68 703 6.96 177 --- ---
100 37F0520434 37F0523434 37F0526434 4 69 31 29.44 748 8.71 221 --- ---
125 37F0520435 37F0523435 37F0526435 4 76 35 30.18 767 9.46 240 0.75 19
150 37F0520436 37F0523436 37F0526443 4 81 37 32.68 830 11.96 304 0.50 13
175 37F0520438 37F0523438 37F0526445 4 86 39 33.35 847 12.63 321 0.17 4
200 37F0520437 37F0523437 37F0526444 4 92 42 33.35 847 12.63 321 0.17 4
225 37F0520439 37F0523439 37F0526446 4 103 47 36.06 916 18.33 466 0.88 22
250 37F0520440 37F0523440 37F0526447 4 103 47 36.06 916 18.33 466 0.88 22
275 37F0520441 37F0523441 37F0526448 4 114 52 39.06 992 18.33 466 --- ---
300 37F0523442 37F0526449 4 114 52 39.06 992 18.33 466 --- ---

Two Units Interconnected Frame— With Terminal Box, 3 Fuses Per Unit and Mounting Frame
Dim ensions
2400 volt 4160 volt 4800 volt Approx.
kVAr Assem blies Assem blies Assem blies Fig. Weight C E F
Catalog Catalog Catalog No.
Lb kg in. mm in. mm in. mm
Number Num ber Num ber
300 37F0521435 5 149 68 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
325 37F0521436 37F0524436 37F0527440 5 154 70 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
350 37F0521437 37F0524437 37F0527437 5 159 72 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
375 37F0521439 37F0524439 37F0527441 5 165 75 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
400 37F0521438 37F0524438 37F0527438 5 171 78 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
425 37F0521440 37F0524440 37F0527442 5 181 82 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
450 37F0521441 37F0524441 37F0527443 5 192 87 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
475 37F0521442 37F0524442 37F0527444 5 192 87 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
500 37F0521443 37F0524443 37F0527445 5 192 87 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
525 37F0521444 37F0524444 37F0527446 5 203 92 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
550 37F0521445 37F0524445 37F0527447 5 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
575 37F0524446 37F0527448 5 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
600 37F0524447 37F0527449 5 214 97 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---

Three Units interconnected—Including Terminal Box, 3 Fuses Per Unit and Mounting Frame
Dimensions
2400 volt 4160 volt 4800 volt Approx.
KvAr Assemblies Assemblies Assemblies Fig. Weight C E F
Catalog Catalog Catalog No.
Number Number Number Lb kg in. mm in. mm in. mm

575 37F0522442 6 248 113 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
600 37F0522441 6 254 115 33.43 849 12.70 323 --- ---
625 37F0522443 37F0525443 37F0528442 6 265 120 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
650 37F0522444 37F0525444 37F0528443 6 276 125 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
675 37F0522445 37F0525445 37F0528444 6 287 130 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
700 37F0522446 37F0525446 37F0528445 6 298 130 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
725 37F0522447 37F0525447 37F0528446 6 298 130 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
750 37F0522448 37F0525448 37F0528447 6 298 130 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
775 37F0522449 37F0525449 37F0528448 6 309 135 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
800 37F0522450 37F0525450 37F0528449 6 320 140 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
825 37F0522451 37F0525451 37F0528450 6 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
850 37F0525452 37F0528451 6 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
875 37F0525453 37F0528452 6 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
900 37F0525454 37F0528453 6 331 145 39.18 995 18.45 469 --- ---
Data subject to Change Without Notice

24
g GE Capacitor
Capacitor Cell Dimensions
3 Phase 1

Outline Dimensions (inches)

NOTE 1: Omit center terminal for 1 Phase capacitors

Applicable standards:
NEMA standards publication CP 1-1988 (Shunt Capacitor) or latest revision.
IEEE Standard for Shunt Power Capacitors, Std 18-1992, or latest revision.
IEC Publication 871-1 (1987) or latest revision.

Capacitor Construction
• Capacitor case material is type ANSI 409 stainless steel suitable for outdoor service.
• Capacitor bushings utilize a gasket sealing assembly to provide a mechanical and electrical seal to the capacitor
cover. The bushing terminals are 0.500-13 thread tin plated copper.
• The capacitor case is ANSI #70 grey. The paint system is a durable Epoxy/Urethane composition which meets the
requirements of ANSI C57.12.31 (Pole Mounted Transformer Enclosure Coating Integrity). A portion of
the bottom of the mounting bracket will be left unpainted to allow proper grounding of unit to the capacitor bank.

Internal Contruction
• Capacitor units are of the "all film" design using multiple sheets of HazyTM Polypropylene Film as the solid
dielectric material.
• Each capacitor is provided with an internal discharge resistor assembly to reduce the residual voltage to 50 volts
or less within 5 minutes after the capacitor is disconnected from rated voltage.
• The insulating liquid is a Non-PCB Synthetic Aromatic Hydrocarbon suitable for use in outdoor shunt capacitors
and complies with all the current environmental standards.

25
GE Capacitor
The figure above shows an induction
motor operating under partially loaded
conditions without Power Factor
Correction. Here the feeder line must
supply BOTH magnetizing (reactive)
and active power.
The figure above shows the result of installing
a capacitor near the same motor to supply the
reactive power required to operate it. The total
current requirement has been reduced to the
value of the active power only, thus either
reducing power cost or permitting the use of
more electrical equipment on the same circuit.
26
g
Function of Capacitors
Electric power has two components:
Active power, which produces work.
Reactive power, which is needed to generate magnetic fields
required for operation of inductive electrical equipment, but
performs no useful work.
Active power is measured in KW (1000 Watts)
Reactive power is measured in KVAR (1000 Volt-Amperes Reactive)
Total power is measured in KVA (1000 Volts-Amperes) The ratio of
working power to total power is called Power Factor. The function
of Power Factor Correction Capacitors is to increase the power factor
by supplying the reactive power when installed at or near inductive
electrical equipment.
Equipment Causing Poor Power Factor
A great deal of equipment causes poor power factor. One of
the worst offenders is lightly loaded induction equipment.
Examples of this type of equipment, and their approximate power
factors follow:
• 80% power factor or better: Air conditioners
(correctly sized),pumps, centerless grinders, cold headers,
upsetters, fans or blowers.
• 60% to 80% power factor: Induction furnaces, standard
stamping machines, and weaving machines.
• 60% power factor and below: Single-stroke presses,
automated machine tools, finish grinders, welders.
When the above equipment functions within a facility, savings can
be achieved by utilizing GE industrial capacitors.
How Capacitors Save Money
Capacitors lower electrical costs two ways: In many areas, the
electrical rate includes a penalty charge for low power factor.
Installation of power capacitors on the electrical distribution system
within a facility makes it unnecessary for the utility to supply the
reactive power required by inductive electrical equipment. The
savings the utility realizes in reduced generation, transmission, and
distribution costs are passed on to the customer in the form of lower
electrical bills.
The second source of savings derived through the use of power
factor correction capacitors is in the form of increased KVA capacity
in the electrical distribution system. Installation of capacitors to
furnish the non-productive current requirements of the facility
makes it possible to increase the connected load by as much as 20
percent without a corresponding increase in the size of the
transformers, conductors, and protective devices making up the
distribution system which services the load.
g GE Capacitor

Benefits of Power Factor Improvement

Power factor (PF) is the ratio of useful current to total current. It is also
the ratio of useful power expressed in kilowatts (KW) to total power
expressed in kilowatt-amperes (KVA). Power factor is usually
expressed as a decimal or as a percentage.

Useful Power
PF =
Total Power
Example: Kilowatts = 60 KW, KVA = 100 KVA

60 KWk
PF = = .60 = 60%
100 KVA

The significant effect of improving the power factor of a circuit is to

reduce the current flowing through that circuit which in turn results in
the following benefits:

Benefit No. 1
Less Total Plant KVA for the Same KW Working Power.
KVA = Ö3 x KV x I Dollar savings are very significant in areas where utility billing is
affected by KVA usage.

Example: 600 KW working power vs KVA required

POWER FACTOR 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ACTIVE POWER 600 KW 600 KW 600 KW 600 KW 600 KW

REACTIVE POWER 800 KVAR 612 KVAR 450 KVAR 291 KVR 0 KVAR

TOTAL POWER 1000 KVA 857 KVA 750 KVA 667 KVA 600 KVA

This allows for more efficient operation of plant transformers and

“frees up” KVA for additional load. Cost avoidance can be significant.

27
GE Capacitor g
Benefit No. 2
More KW Working Power for the Same KVA Demand
KW = KVA x PF Released system capacity allows for additional motors, lighting, etc. to be
added without overloading existing distribution equipment.
Example: 600 KVA demand vs available KW

POWER FACTOR 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ACTIVE POWER 360 KW 420 KW 480 KW 540 KW 600 KW

REACTIVE POWER 480 KVAR 428 KVAR 360 KVAR 262 KVR 0 KVAR

TOTAL POWER 600 KVA 600 KVA 600 KVA 600 KVA 600 KVA

Benefit No. 3
% voltage rise* = Improved Voltage Regulation Due to
Reduced Line Voltage Drop
KVAR x %ZL This benefit will result in more efficient performance of motors and
other electrical equipment.
KVA of transformer Example: The graphs below depict what happens to the full load speed
and starting torque of a motor at various levels of rated voltage.
* with capacitor at the transformer
ZL = transformer impedance %
from nameplate

28
g GE Capacitor

Benefit No. 4
Reduction in Size of Transformers, Cables and Switchgear in New
KVA x 10 3
I = Installations – Thus Less Investment

Ö3V Example: The figure below represents the increasing size of

conductors required to carry the same 100 KW at various power
factors.

KVA - 100 KVA - 111 KVA - 125 KVA - 141 KVA - 167
PF - 100% PF - 90% PF - 80% PF - 70% PF - 60%

Benefit No. 5
Reduced Power Losses in Distribution Systems
% reduction of
power losses = Since the losses are proportionate to the square of the current, the
formula at left applies.

( original PF
)
2 Example: Improve power factor from 65 percent to 90 percent
100 – 100
new PF
( )
2
.65
Reduction of power losses = 100 - 100 x = 48%
.90

29
GE Capacitor g

Facts and Formulas

KW
1. PF = cos q = (motor input)
KVA

Derating for V & ƒ KW (motor input) =

hp x .746
% Eff.
2.

( )( )
VA fA
2
KVARE = KVARR Ö3 x V x I
VR fR KVA = (three phase)
3. 103
KVARE = Effective KVAR
V x I.
KVARR = Rated KVAR KVA = (single phase)
4. 1000
VA = Applied Voltage
KW
VR = Rated Voltage
5. KVA = = Ö(KW)2 + (KVAR)2
ƒA = Applied frequency PF

ƒR = Rated frequency
KVA x 103
6. I= (three phase)
Ö3 V
KVA x 103
I= (single phase)
7. V

2p¦C (KV)2
8.. KVAR =
Examples: 103

• Reduced KVAR when operating 60 Hz unit @ 50 Hz KVAR x 103

C=
9.
(2p¦)(KV)2
Actual KVAR = Rated KVAR
( )
50
60
= 83% rated KVAR

• Reduced KVAR when operating @ below rated ...10 6.....

Xc =
voltage 10.
(2p¦)C
Actual KVAR = rated KVAR
( operating voltage
)
2

rated voltage

i.e.: 240 V @ 208 V = .75 rated KVAR Legend:

K = 1000 I = line current (amperes)

W = watts Ic = capacitor current
V= volts (amperes)
A = amperes C = capacitance
(microfarads)
hp = horsepower ƒ = frequency
PF = power factor Xc= capacitive reactance

30
g GE Capacitor

Degree of Power Factor Improvement

As noted on page 26, power capacitors lower costs two ways. To determine how much improvement should be
made to the existing power factor, one must analyze the potential benefits to be gained in each situation.
If utility bill savings are a factor, it is recommended that the past 12 months’ billings be reviewed and compared
to potential billings at improved power factor levels. Since there are a variety of rate structures in existence, each
case must be investigated separately. In general, where penalty clauses exist, the power factor should be raised to
at least 95 percent.
Where relief of an overloaded distribution system is the major consideration, the degree of correction will
depend upon the amount of relief required. In some instances, correction to unity may be economical.

Size of Capacitor Bank

Where the size of the capacitor bank needed to improve power factor to the desired
level (usually 95%) is not readily available from Motor Tables or by graphic
determination, it can be calculated as shown on page 32 or by these formulae.

TO FIND WHEN YOU KNOW THREE-PHASE

Watts input to Output, efficiency Watts output
anything % efficiency

Watts input to Horsepower, efficiency hp x .746 x LF

a motor % efficiency

Horsepower Current, voltage 1.73 x E x I x %eff. x PF

(Output) efficiency, .746
power factor

Kilovolt- Current, voltage 1.73 x E x I

amperes 1000

Kilowatts Current, voltage, 1.73 x E x I x PF

power factor 1000

Amperes Horsepower, voltage, hp x .746 x LF

efficiency, 1.73 x E x %eff. x PF
power factor

Amperes Kilowatts, voltage, kw x 1000

power factor 1.73 x E x PF

Amperes Kilovolt-amperes, kva x 1000

voltage 1.73 x E

Power factor Watts, voltage, Watts

current 1.73 x E x I

Power factor Kilowatts, voltage, kw x 1000

current 1.73 x E x I

PF = power factor E = volts LF = load factor I = current in amperes

31
GE Capacitor g
Determining Your Capacitor
Requirements
The total KVAR rating of capacitors required to improve a facility’s
power factor to any desired value may be calculated very easily by
using several basic formulas and by applying the appropriate multiplier
selected from Table 1 on page 33.

Examples:

1. A plant with a metered demand of 600 KW is operating at a 75% power factor. What
capacitor KVAR is required to correct the present power factor to 95%?
a. From Table 1, Multiplier to improve PF from 75% to 95% is .553
b. Capacitor KVAR = KW x Table 1 Multiplier
Capacitor KVAR = 600 x .553 = 331.8 say 330

2. A plant load of 425 KW has a total power requirement of 670 KVA. What size capacitor
is required to improve the factor to 90%?
a. Present PF = KW = 425 = .634 = 63.4% say 63%
KVA 670
b. From Table 1, Multiplier to improve PF from 63% to 90% is .748
c. Capacitor KVAR = KW x Table 1 Multiplier = 425 x .748 = 317.9 say 320 KVAR

3. A plant operating from a 480 volt system has a metered demand of 258 KW. The line
current read by a clip-on ammeter is 420 amperes. What amount of capacitors are required
to correct the present power factor to 90%?
a. KVA = 1.73 x KV x I = 1.73 x .480 x 420 = 349 KVA
b. Present PF = KW = 258 = 73.9 say 74%
KVA 349
c. From Table 1, Multiplier to improve PF from 74% to 90% is .425
d. Capacitor KVAR = KW x Table 1 Multiplier = 258 x .425 = 109.6 say 110 KVAR

32
g GE Capacitor

Table 1 - Sizing Capacitors for Electrical Systems

This table gives multipliers for KW to get the capacitor KVAR needed to
increase from original to desired corrected power factor. Use the multipliers to
size auto-switched or fixed capacitors for large loads.

DESIRED CORRECTED POWER FACTOR (%)

80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
50 0.982 1.008 1.034 1.060 1.086 1.112 1.139 1.165 1.192 1.220 1.248 1.276 1.306 1.337 1.369 1.403 1.440 1.481 1.529 1.590 1.732
51 0.937 0.963 0.989 1.015 1.041 1.067 1.093 1.120 1.147 1.174 1.202 1.231 1.261 1.291 1.324 1.358 1.395 1.436 1.484 1.544 1.687
52 0.893 0.919 0.945 0.971 0.997 1.023 1.049 1.076 1.103 1.130 1.158 1.187 1.217 1.247 1.280 1.314 1.351 1.392 1.440 1.500 1.643
53 0.850 0.876 0.902 0.928 0.954 0.980 1.007 1.033 1.060 1.088 1.116 1.144 1.174 1.205 1.237 1.271 1.308 1.349 1.397 1.458 1.600
54 0.809 0.835 0.861 0.887 0.913 0.939 0.965 0.992 1.019 1.046 1.074 1.103 1.133 1.163 1.196 1.230 1.267 1.308 1.356 1.416 1.559
55 0.768 0.794 0.820 0.846 0.873 0.899 0.925 0.952 0.979 1.006 1.034 1.063 1.092 1.123 1.156 1.190 1.227 1.268 1.315 1.376 1.518
56 0.729 0.755 0.781 0.807 0.834 0.860 0.886 0.913 0.940 0.967 0.995 1.024 1.053 1.084 1.116 1.151 1.188 1.229 1.276 1.337 1.479
57 0.691 0.717 0.743 0.769 0.796 0.822 0.848 0.875 0.902 0.929 0.957 0.986 1.015 1.046 1.079 1.113 1.150 1.191 1.238 1.299 1.441
58 0.655 0.681 0.707 0.733 0.759 0.785 0.811 0.838 0.865 0.892 0.920 0.949 0.979 1.009 1.042 1.076 1.113 1.154 1.201 1.262 1.405
59 0.618 0.644 0.670 0.696 0.723 0.749 0.775 0.802 0.829 0.856 0.884 0.913 0.942 0.973 1.006 1.040 1.077 1.118 1.165 1.226 1.368
60 0.583 0.609 0.635 0.661 0.687 0.714 0.740 0.767 0.794 0.821 0.849 0.878 0.907 0.938 0.970 1.005 1.042 1.083 1.130 1.191 1.333
61 0.549 0.575 0.601 0.627 0.653 0.679 0.706 0.732 0.759 0.787 0.815 0.843 0.873 0.904 0.936 0.970 1.007 1.048 1.096 1.157 1.299
62 0.515 0.541 0.567 0.593 0.620 0.646 0.672 0.699 0.726 0.753 0.781 0.810 0.839 0.870 0.903 0.937 0.974 1.015 1.062 1.123 1.265
63 0.483 0.509 0.535 0.561 0.587 0.613 0.639 0.666 0.693 0.720 0.748 0.777 0.807 0.837 0.870 0.904 0.941 0.982 1.030 1.090 1.233
64 0.451 0.477 0.503 0.529 0.555 0.581 0.607 0.634 0.661 0.688 0.716 0.745 0.775 0.805 0.838 0.872 0.909 0.950 0.998 1.058 1.201
65 0.419 0.445 0.471 0.497 0.523 0.549 0.576 0.602 0.629 0.657 0.685 0.714 0.743 0.774 0.806 0.840 0.877 0.919 0.966 1.027 1.169
66 0.388 0.414 0.440 0.466 0.492 0.519 0.545 0.572 0.599 0.626 0.654 0.683 0.712 0.743 0.775 0.810 0.847 0.888 0.935 0.996 1.138
67 0.358 0.384 0.410 0.436 0.462 0.488 0.515 0.541 0.568 0.596 0.624 0.652 0.682 0.713 0.745 0.779 0.816 0.857 0.905 0.966 1.108
68 0.328 0.354 0.380 0.406 0.432 0.459 0.485 0.512 0.539 0.566 0.594 0.623 0.652 0.683 0.715 0.750 0.787 0.828 0.875 0.936 1.078
ORIGINAL POWER FACTOR (%)

69 0.299 0.325 0.351 0.377 0.403 0.429 0.456 0.482 0.509 0.537 0.565 0.593 0.623 0.654 0.686 0.720 0.757 0.798 0.846 0.907 1.049
70 0.270 0.296 0.322 0.348 0.374 0.400 0.427 0.453 0.480 0.508 0.536 0.565 0.594 0.625 0.657 0.692 0.729 0.770 0.817 0.878 1.020
71 0.242 0.268 0.294 0.320 0.346 0.372 0.398 0.425 0.452 0.480 0.508 0.536 0.566 0.597 0.629 0.663 0.700 0.741 0.789 0.849 0.992
72 0.214 0.240 0.266 0.292 0.318 0.344 0.370 0.397 0.424 0.452 0.480 0.508 0.538 0.569 0.601 0.635 0.672 0.713 0.761 0.821 0.964
73 0.186 0.212 0.238 0.264 0.290 0.316 0.343 0.370 0.396 0.424 0.452 0.481 0.510 0.541 0.573 0.608 0.645 0.686 0.733 0.794 0.936
74 0.159 0.185 0.211 0.237 0.263 0.289 0.316 0.342 0.369 0.397 0.425 0.453 0.483 0.514 0.546 0.580 0.617 0.658 0.706 0.766 0.909
75 0.132 0.158 0.184 0.210 0.236 0.262 0.289 0.315 0.342 0.370 0.398 0.426 0.456 0.487 0.519 0.553 0.590 0.631 0.679 0.739 0.882
76 0.105 0.131 0.157 0.183 0.209 0.235 0.262 0.288 0.315 0.343 0.371 0.400 0.429 0.460 0.492 0.526 0.563 0.605 0.652 0.713 0.855
77 0.079 0.105 0.131 0.157 0.183 0.209 0.235 0.262 0.289 0.316 0.344 0.373 0.403 0.433 0.466 0.500 0.537 0.578 0.626 0.686 0.829
78 0.052 0.078 0.104 0.130 0.156 0.183 0.209 0.236 0.263 0.290 0.318 0.347 0.376 0.407 0.439 0.474 0.511 0.552 0.599 0.660 0.802
79 0.026 0.052 0.078 0.104 0.130 0.156 0.183 0.209 0.236 0.264 0.292 0.320 0.350 0.381 0.413 0.447 0.484 0.525 0.573 0.634 0.776
80 0.000 0.026 0.052 0.078 0.104 0.130 0.157 0.183 0.210 0.238 0.266 0.294 0.324 0.355 0.387 0.421 0.458 0.499 0.547 0.608 0.750
81 0.000 0.026 0.052 0.078 0.104 0.131 0.157 0.184 0.212 0.240 0.268 0.298 0.329 0.361 0.395 0.432 0.473 0.521 0.581 0.724
82 0.000 0.026 0.052 0.078 0.105 0.131 0.158 0.186 0.214 0.242 0.272 0.303 0.335 0.369 0.406 0.447 0.495 0.556 0.698
83 0.000 0.026 0.052 0.079 0.105 0.132 0.160 0.188 0.216 0.246 0.277 0.309 0.343 0.380 0.421 0.469 0.530 0.672
84 0.000 0.026 0.053 0.079 0.106 0.134 0.162 0.190 0.220 0.251 0.283 0.317 0.354 0.395 0.443 0.503 0.646
85 0.000 0.026 0.053 0.080 0.107 0.135 0.164 0.194 0.225 0.257 0.291 0.328 0.369 0.417 0.477 0.620
86 0.000 0.027 0.054 0.081 0.109 0.138 0.167 0.198 0.230 0.265 0.302 0.343 0.390 0.451 0.593
87 0.000 0.027 0.054 0.082 0.111 0.141 0.172 0.204 0.238 0.275 0.316 0.364 0.424 0.567
88 0.000 0.027 0.055 0.084 0.114 0.145 0.177 0.211 0.248 0.289 0.337 0.397 0.540
89 0.000 0.028 0.057 0.086 0.117 0.149 0.184 0.221 0.262 0.309 0.370 0.512
90 0.000 0.029 0.058 0.089 0.121 0.156 0.193 0.234 0.281 0.342 0.484
91 0.000 0.030 0.060 0.093 0.127 0.164 0.205 0.253 0.313 0.456
92 0.000 0.031 0.063 0.097 0.134 0.175 0.223 0.284 0.426
93 0.000 0.032 0.067 0.104 0.145 0.192 0.253 0.395
94 0.000 0.034 0.071 0.112 0.160 0.220 0.363
95 0.000 0.037 0.078 0.126 0.186 0.329
96 0.000 0.041 0.089 0.149 0.292
97 0.000 0.048 0.108 0.251
98 0.000 0.061 0.203
99 0.000 0.142
100 0.000

Example: Total KW input of load from wattmeter reading 100 KW at a power factor of 60%. The leading reactive KVAR necessary to raise the power
factor to 90% is found by multiplying the 100 KW by the factor found in the table, which is .849. Then 100 KW x 0.849 = 84.9 KVAR. Use 85 KVAR

33
GE Capacitor g
Power Bill Savings Factors That Affect
Poor power factor necessitates increased generation and transmission
costs to provide the required amount of real power (KW). In order to
Your Electric Bill
1. Energy Charge -
equitably distribute these costs to the end user, many utilities utilize a
Number of kilowatt-hours used during the
rate structure that penalizes poor power factor. billing period.
To illustrate the power bill savings that can be obtained through Number of kilovolt amperes (KVA) used during the
capacitor installation, it is assumed that the utility serving a facility has billing period
2. Demand Charge -
the following rate schedule:
This charge compensates the utility for the capital
investment required to serve the facility’s peak
Sample Rate Schedule: load. Demand charges may be a large portion of
The billing demand is calculated such that a penalty is incurred for power the total electric bill, sometimes as high as 75%.
factors below 90%. Demand charges can be reduced by reducing
energy peaks, reducing KVA, and improving
Billing Demand = KW demand x .90 power factor.
Actual PF
Demand Charge per Month:
First 10 KW .......................................... $5.25/KW
Next 40 KW ........................................... $4.00/KW
Next 100 KW ......................................... $3.50/KW
Excess KW ............................................ $2.75/KW
Utility Demand Charges Before Improvement:
see page 33, example 2
Billing Demand = 425 KW x .90 = 607.1 KW
.63
1 - Uncorrected KVA
Therefore our KW demand charges would be: 2 - Corrected KVA

10 x $5.25 ....................................... $ 52.50

40 x $4.00 ....................................... $ 160.00
100 x $3.50 ....................................... $ 350.00 3. Power Factor Penalty Charge -
457.1 x $2.75 ....................................... $1,257.03 A penalty imposed to encourage the user to
$1,819.53 improve power factor. Power companies usually
impose a billing penalty when power factor (P.F.)
Utility Demand Charges After Improvement: drops below 90% - although this figure could be
Billing Demand = 425 KW x .90 = 425 KW as high as 95%. In nearly all cases, the least
.90 expensive and most efficient method to reduce this
charge is by adding capacitors.
10 x $5.25 ....................................... $ 52.50
40 x $4.00 ....................................... $ 160.00
100 x $3.50 ....................................... $ 350.00
275 x $2.75 ....................................... $ 756.25
$1,318.75
Savings per month = $1,819.53 – $1,318.75 = $500.78
Annual savings = $6,009.36

Payback Analysis:
Automatic Correction: 325 kvar, 480 volts, 25 kvar per step = 37FC7325F25
list price = $13,034 ÷ $6,009.36 = 2.2 year payback (based on list price)
Fixed Correction: 325 kvar, 480 volts = 65L936TC2
list price = $3,009 ÷ $6,009.36 = approximately a 6 month payback
(based on list price)
NOTES:
1. KWH charges are not shown since the significant dollar savings in
this example are in the demand rate structure.
2. Due to variations in rate schedules throughout the country, it is
impossible to provide an example of each schedule. Please check with
your power company and local representative to determine your
potential savings through power factor correction.

34
g GE Capacitor
Location of Power Capacitors
Methods of Wiring to Induction Motor Circuits
Capacitors may be connected to each motor and switched with it, as in
Figures 1 and 2, in which case they are energized only when the motor is
in operation, or they may be permanently connected to the line ahead of
the motor starters as in Figure 3.

Power Capacitors afford Kilovar relief

from their point of installation toward the power source.

1. The most economical location is directly across the terminals of larger

Figure 1: For new motor installations
Capacitors are connected on motor side of thermal-overloaded relay.
Relay should be selected with rating less than motor nameplate
full-load current, commensurate with reduced line current effected
by the capacitors. This reduction in line current, if not available from
tables, may be determined by measuring line current with and
without capacitors, or by calculation.
motors thereby eliminating the cost of a separate switch. The capacitor
ratings may be selected directly from Table 2 or Table 3, which require
knowing only the type, horsepower rating, and speed of the motor.
Reference to Figure 1 or 2 indicates the recommended location for new
and existing motors. These capacitor ratings normally correct the motor
no-load power factor to unity which in turn generally results in a full-load
power factor of 94%-96%.

2. Where there are multiple motors with low horsepower ratings, or

motors which do not run continuously, the capacitors should be connected
directly to feeders in the facility through an appropriate switching device
to serve as a disconnect for servicing, or light loads. Locations should be
as far downstream in the facility as possible for maximum benefit.

3. Installations may be made at load centers when it is difficult to connect

Figure 2: For existing motor installations
Capacitors are connected to line side of thermal-overload relay.
In this case the overload relay does not have to be resized.
the capacitors directly across motor terminals or to feeders. Again,
switching is a recommended practice.
4. If only power bill penalties are to be offset, the total capacitor require-
ment can be installed on the load side of metering equipment. Such a
location does not increase the capacity of the facility distribution system.

Table 2 - Suggested Maximum Capacitor Ratings for

U-Frame NEMA Class B. Motors
(Use for high efficiency motors)

NEMA Motor Design A or B, Normal Starting Torque, Normal Running Current

Figure 3:
Capacitors are permanently connected to line, but with protection
H.P. 3600 RPM 1800 RPM 1200 RPM 900 RPM 720 RPM 600 RPM
of a fusible safety switch or circuit breaker which eliminates separate
Rating KVAR %AR KVAR %AR KVAR %AR KVAR %AR KVAR %AR KVAR %AR
capacitor switch. To avoid nuisance blowing of the capacitor fuses, 3 1.5 14 1.5 15 1.5 20 2 27 2.5 35 3.5 41
install the capacitors at this location when the motors are multiple
speed, reversing, jogging, inching, or reduced voltage start. 5 2 12 2 13 2 17 3 25 4 32 4.5 37
7.5 2.5 11 2.5 12 3 15 4 22 5.5 30 6 34
10 3 10 3 11 3.5 14 5 21 6.5 27 7.5 31
Legend: SW Fusible safety switch or breaker. 15 4 9 4 10 5 13 6.5 18 8 23 9.5 27
MS Motor Starter. OR Motor thermal- 20 5 9 5 10 5 11 7.5 18 10 20 10 25
overload relay. 25 5 6 5 8 7.5 11 7.5 13 10 20 10 21
C Dust-tight capacitor unit. 30 5 5 5 8 7.5 11 10 15 15 22 15 25
M Motor. 40 7.5 8 10 8 10 10 15 16 15 18 15 20
F Removable, high IC, one-time current 50 10 7 10 8 10 9 15 12 20 15 25 22
limiting indicating fuses. 60 10 6 10 8 15 10 15 11 20 15 25 20
R Discharge resistors. 75 15 7 15 8 15 9 20 11 30 15 40 20
100 20 8 20 8 25 9 30 11 40 14 45 18
Note: In Figures 2 and 3, the thermal-overload relay does not require 125 20 6 25 7 30 9 30 10 45 14 50 17
replacement since full motor current continues to flow through it. 150 30 6 30 7 35 9 40 10 50 17 60 17
200 40 6 40 7 45 8 55 11 60 12 75 17
250 45 5 45 6 60 9 70 10 75 12 100 17
300 50 5 50 6 75 9 75 9 80 12 105 17
35
GE Capacitor g
Suggested Maximum Capacitor
Ratings for T-Frame Motors
When Switched with Capacitors
Table 3: Suggested Maximum Capacitor Ratings for T-Frame NEMA Class B. Motors
Applies to three-phase, 60 HZ motors when switched with capacitors as a single unit.
NOMINAL MOTOR SPEED

Induction 3600 RPM 1800 RPM 1200 RPM 900 RPM 720 RPM 600 RPM
Motor Capacitor (%) Line Capacitor (%) Line Capacitor (%) Line Capacitor (%) Line Capacitor (%) Line Capacitor (%) Line
Rating Rating Current Rating Current Rating Current Rating Current Rating Current Rating Current
(HP) (kVAR) Reduction (kVAR) Reduction (kVAR) Reduction (kVAR) Reduction (kVAR) Reduction (kVAR) Reduction
3 1.5 14 1.5 23 2.5 28 3 38 3 40 4 40
5 2 14 2.5 22 3 26 4 31 4 40 5 40
7.5 2.5 14 3 20 4 21 5 28 5 38 6 45
10 4 14 4 18 5 21 6 27 7.5 36 8 38
15 5 12 5 18 6 20 7.5 24 8 32 10 34
20 6 12 6 17 7.5 19 9 23 10 29 12 30
25 7.5 12 7.5 17 8 19 10 23 12 25 18 30
30 8 11 8 16 10 19 14 22 15 24 22.5 30
40 12 12 13 15 16 19 18 21 22.5 24 25 30
50 15 12 18 15 20 19 22.5 21 24 24 30 30
60 18 12 21 14 22.5 17 26 20 30 22 35 28
75 20 12 23 14 25 15 28 17 33 14 40 19
100 22.5 11 30 14 30 12 35 16 40 15 45 17
125 25 10 36 12 35 12 42 14 45 15 50 17
150 30 10 42 12 40 12 52.5 14 52.5 14 60 17
200 35 10 50 11 50 10 65 13 68 13 90 17
250 40 11 60 10 62.5 10 82 13 87.5 13 100 17
300 45 11 68 10 75 12 100 14 100 13 120 17
350 50 12 75 8 90 12 120 13 120 13 135 15
400 75 10 80 8 100 12 130 13 140 13 150 15
450 80 8 90 8 120 10 140 12 160 14 160 15
500 100 8 120 9 150 12 160 12 180 13 180 15

Percent AR is the percent reduction in full-load line current due to capacitors. A capacitor To calculate required kvar for energy efficient motors (or any motor) use the following formula:
located on the motor side of the overload relay reduces current through the relay. Therefore,
a smaller relay may be necessary. The motor-overload relay should be selected on the
basis of the motor full-load nameplate current reduced by the percent reduction in line
current (percent AR) due to capacitors.
kvar = H.P. x .746
% efficiency (Ö 1– PF02
PF02
Ö 1 – PF12
PF12 )
PF0 Original Power Factor (supplied by manufacturer)
The capacitor size specified in the above table will increase the full load power factor to
PF1 Target Power Factor
95% and larger sizes should not be used without consulting GE.
H.P. Motor Horsepower from nameplate
% efficiency Motor manufacturer nameplate

Points to Consider when Sizing Capacitors
Two limiting factors must be considered when capacitors are
to be switched with a motor as a unit. The first is overvoltage
due to self-excitation, and the second is transient torques.
Self-excitation voltage: When a motor is disconnected
from the line, it will normally rotate for a short time before
coming to rest. A capacitor connected to this motor will still
be supplying magnetizing current, which will excite the
motor. Under these conditions, the motor and capacitor act
like a generator and produce a certain voltage because of this
“self-excitation”. The magnitude of the voltage that can be
produced is determined by two things—the rating of the
capacitor being used and the speed of the motor involved. It
is not uncommon for this “self-excitation” voltage to reach
150% of rated voltage if too large a capacitor is being used.
Transient torques: Perhaps even more important than
overvoltage is the transient torques that can occur if the motor
happens to close back into the line before coming to a complete
rest. If the motor is still rotating and acting as a generator, the
resulting transient torque may be as much as 20 times the full
load torque.Because of transient torque and overload consider-
ations, most motor manufacturers provide recommendations
concerning the maximum capacitor KVAR that should be
switched with a given motor. These recommendations are
conservative enough to avoid endangering the motor, and will
ordinarily result in a corrected power factor of approximately
95-98% at full load.
To avoid nuisance blowing of fuses when capacitors are
connected directly across the motor terminals:
1. Motors should not be subject to plugging or reversing duty.
2. Motors should not be operated such that rapid restarting occurs

36
g GE Capacitor

Switching Capacitors
The National Electrical Code requires that power capacitors, other than those
directly connected across motor terminals, have separate disconnecting means
to permit their removal from the circuit as a regular operating procedure, or
for maintenance purposes. The Code also requires that the continuous current
carrying capacity of the disconnecting device and of the capacitor circuit
conductors shall be not less than 135 percent of the rated current of the
capacitor.Since power capacitors for industrial service are designed for use in
an ambient temperature of 46°C (115°F) maximum, the cables and
disconnecting devices should also be selected for this ambient operation.
The data in Table 4 on page 38 is predicated on these conditions.

FIXED OR
AUTOMATIC
BANK

37
GE Capacitor g
Suggested Wire Sizes for
Capacitor Installations
Table 4
The cable sizes indicated in this table are based on 135%
of rated current in accordance with NEC 460.

240 Volt, 3 Phase 480 Volt, 3 Phase 600 Volt, 3 Phase

75°C 90°C Safety Switch 75°C 90°C Safety Switch 75°C 90°C Safety Switch
Cap. Min.Cable Min.Cable Cap. Min.Cable Min.Cable Cap. Min.Cable Min.Cable
Rating Sizes Sizes Rating Fuse Rating Sizes Sizes Rating Fuse Rating Sizes Sizes Rating Fuse
KVAR * * AMPS AMPS KVAR * * AMPS AMPS KVAR * * AMPS AMPS
0.5 14 14 30 3 0.5 14 14 30 1 0.5 14 14 30 1
1 14 14 30 5 1 14 14 30 3 1 14 14 30 3
2 14 14 30 10 1.5 14 14 30 3 1.5 14 14 30 3
2.5 14 14 30 10 2 14 14 30 6 2 14 14 30 3
3 14 14 30 15 2.5 14 14 30 6 2.5 14 14 30 5
4 12 12 30 20 3 14 14 30 6 3 14 14 30 5
5 12 12 30 20 4 14 14 30 10 4 14 14 30 6
6 10 10 30 25 5 14 14 30 10 5 14 14 30 10
7.5 10 10 30 30 6 14 14 30 15 6 14 14 30 10
8 8 8 60 35 7.5 14 14 30 15 7.5 14 14 30 15
10 8 8 60 40 8 12 12 30 20 8 14 14 30 15
12.5 8 8 60 50 10 12 12 30 20 10 12 12 30 20
15 6 6 60 60 12.5 10 10 30 25 12.5 12 12 30 20
17.5 4 6 100 75 15 10 10 30 30 15 10 10 30 25
20 4 4 100 80 17.5 8 8 60 35 17.5 10 10 30 30
22.5 3 4 100 90 20 8 8 60 40 20 8 8 60 35
25 3 3 100 100 22.5 8 8 60 50 22.5 8 8 60 40
27.5 1 2 200 125 25 8 8 60 50 25 8 8 60 40
30 1 2 200 125 27.5 6 6 60 60 27.5 8 8 60 45
35 1/0 1 200 150 30 6 6 60 60 30 8 8 60 50
40 2/0 2/0 200 175 35 4 6 100 70 35 6 6 60 60
45 3/0 3/0 200 200 40 4 4 100 80 40 4 6 100 70
50 3/0 3/0 200 200 45 3 4 100 90 45 4 4 100 80
60 250 4/0 400 250 50 3 3 100 100 50 4 4 100 80
75 350 300 400 300 60 3 3 200 110 60 3 3 100 100
100 2x3/0 3x3/0 400 400 75 1/0 1 200 150 75 1 2 200 125
125 2x250 2x4/0 600 500 100 3/0 2/0 200 200 100 1/0 1 200 150
150 2x350 2x300 600 600 125 250 4/0 400 250 125 3/0 3/0 200 200
175 2x500 2x350 800 700 150 350 300 400 300 150 250 4/0 400 250
200 2x600 2x500 800 800 175 500 350 400 350 175 350 300 400 300
225 3x350 3x300 1,200 900 200 2x3/0 2x3/0 400 400 200 500 350 400 350
250 3x350 3x350 1,200 1,000 225 2x3/0 2x3/0 400 400 225 2x3/0 2x3/0 400 400
275 4x300 3x400 1,200 1,100 250 2x250 2x4/0 600 500 250 2x3/0 2x3/0 400 400
300 4x350 3x500 1,200 1,250 275 2x250 2x4/0 600 500 275 2x4/0 2x3/0 600 450
300 2x350 2x300 600 600 300 2x250 2x4/0 600 500
325 2x500 2x350 800 700 325 2x250 2x4/1 600 500
350 2x500 2x350 800 700 350 2x350 2x300 600 600
375 2x600 2x500 800 800 375 2x350 2x300 600 600
400 2x600 2x500 800 800 400 2x500 2x350 800 700
425 2x350 2x300 1,200 900 425 2x500 2x350 800 700
450 2x350 2x300 1,200 900 450 2x500 2x400 800 750
475 2x350 2x300 1,200 900 475 2x500 2x400 800 750
500 3x400 3x350 1,200 1,000 500 2x600 2x500 1,200 800
525 3x400 3x350 1,200 1,000 525 2x600 2x500 1,200 800
550 4x300 3x400 1,200 1,100 550 3x350 2x600 1,200 900
575 4x350 3x500 1,200 1,200 575 3x350 2x600 1,200 900
600 4x350 3x500 1,200 1,200 600 3x400 3x350 1,200 1,000
* Not more than three single conductors are allowed in a raceway with 30°C ambient. For higher ambient temperatures, consult the
National Electrical Code Table 310-16 (correction factor for ambients over 30°C). Rated current is based on operation at rated
voltage, frequency, and KVAR.

38
g GE Capacitor

Understanding Harmonics
Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency distortions found in
electrical power, subjected to continuous disturbances. In a 60 Hz electrical system,
300 Hz is the 5th harmonic, 420 Hz is the 7th harmonic, and so on. These
harmonics are created by the increased use of non-linear devices such as UPS
systems, solid state variable speed motor drives, rectifiers, welders, arc furnaces,
fluorescent ballasts, and personal computers. The source of these harmonics may be
internal or external. Individual harmonic frequencies will vary in amplitude and
phase angle, depending on the harmonic source. Variable speed drives are usually
referred to by the number of rectifiers in the system. The most common are six
(rectifiers) and twelve (rectifiers) pulse drives.
Harmonic Resonance occurs when the capacitor reactance and the system
reactance are equal. If this occurs, large
harmonic currents will circulate between
transformer and capacitor. These currents will
result in greater voltage distortion. This
provides a higher voltage across the capacitor
and potentially harmful currents through all
capacitor equipment. Harmonic resonance
may occur at any frequency but the 5th, 7th,
11th and 13th are the frequencies with which
we are most concerned. If total bus load
exceeds 15-20% of harmonic generation load,
the potential for a resonance condition is high.
Some indicators of resonance are overheating,
frequent circuit breaker tripping, unexplained
fuse operation, capacitor failure, electronic
equipment malfunction, flickering lights
Figure 1 and telephone interference.
Conquering Harmonic Resonance can be accomplished by: (1) adding or
subtracting capacitance from the system to move the parallel resonance frequency
to one that is not deleterious; (2) adding tuned harmonic suppression reactors in
series with the capacitor to prevent resonance; (3) altering the size of non-linear
devices. It is important that the tuned frequency, for the 5th harmonic, be at
approximately the 4.7th harmonic to account for tolerance in manufacturing and to
remove the largest offending portion of the 5th harmonic. Parallel resonance will
occur around the 4th harmonic, at a much lower amplitude and in an area that does
no harm to the system or capacitor. Tuning lower than 282 Hz is not efficient in
removing large portions of the offending harmonic.
Considerations of how power factor correction capacitors affect a system are of
utmost importance. In systems with more than 15-20% of harmonic loads, a
harmonic survey should be performed to indicate potential problem areas. Readings
taken over changing load conditions at potential capacitor locations are most useful
in determining the types of systems best employed to accomplish the ultimate
harmonic suppression, power factor improvement, KVA reduction and other goals.

39
GE Capacitor Applying Power Factor Correction g
in a Harmonic Environment
The use of capacitors has long been accepted as the most practical solution to
low power factor problems in power systems. Modern capacitors are a reliable,
maintenance free, inexpensive source of VAR’s needed in inductive circuits to
synchronize the voltage and current waveforms. In the past, the application of
capacitors was straightforward; all that was required was a knowledge of KW
(or KVA), existing power factor, and target power factor. In recent years,
however, this practice has been complicated by the proliferation of non-linear
loads. The Source of the Problem One of the most widely used solid state
motor controls is the six-pulse drive. These devices represent a non-linear
impedance to the power source, drawing a quasi-square wave alternating
current rich in harmonics. For six-pulse
drives, the characteristic harmonics are:
5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, . . . ;
the higher order harmonics are not usually
troublesome because their magnitude is
progressively smaller. Figures 1 and 2 show
the total distortion when one or more
harmonics are added to the fundamental.
Harmonic Resonance
When a capacitor bank is added to a power
system, it is effectively connected in parallel
with the system’s impedance, which is
primarily inductive. As far as the harmonic
source is concerned, it sees a capacitor in
parallel with an inductor. Figure 3 shows the
Figure 2 model circuit for this system on a per phase
basis. Resistor ‘R’ represents the inevitable
system losses. The harmonic source is represented as a constant current source,
since it behaves as such.
Since the capacitive (XC) and inductive (XL) reactances are frequency depen-
dent (as frequency increases, XC decreases and XL increases), there is a
frequency at which these two parameters will be equal; this frequency is called
the system’s natural resonant frequency.
At this frequency, the system’s impedance appears to the harmonic source to be
very large. Therefore, a harmonic current at the resonant frequency flowing
through this impedance will result in a very large harmonic voltage as derived
by Ohm’s Law (Vh = IhZh).
A large harmonic voltage will in turn result in a much larger harmonic current
exchange between the capacitor bank and the system impedance. This
secondary harmonic current may be many orders of magnitude larger than the
generated harmonic current, resulting in nuisance operation of circuit breakers
Figure 3 or fuses that happen to be in the path of this current. The degree of
magnification is determined by the system resistance. Since the generated
harmonic current is considered to be constant for a given frequency, then the
harmonic voltage will be proportional to the impedance. Consequently, the
frequency response of the impedance is a good indication of the system’s
susceptibility to harmonic resonance.

40
g GE Capacitor
Figure 4 is the impedance plot, as seen by the harmonic source in figure 3, for a
typical system consisting of 500 KVAR connected to a 1500 KVA, 480 volt
transformer. (While impedance magnitudes are dependent on system resistance,
resonant frequency is primarily a function of inductance (L) and capacitance (C).)
The quick and simple way to calculate the system’s harmonic resonance is through
the following relationship derived from the system’s reactances

Ö
h= KVAsc
KVAR
where: h = harmonic order
KVAsc = KVA = available short
Zpu circuit volt amps
at point of capacitor
bank installation
KVAR = capacitor bank size

This calculation, even though it does not take

into account upstream system impedance, is
reasonably accurate for most applications
since the bulk of the impedance is
Figure 4 contributed by the transformer itself.

Detuning the Circuit

The most effective solution to this problem consists of series tuning the capacitor
bank to the lowest offending harmonic, usually the 5th. This is done by introducing
an inductor in series with the capacitor as shown in figure 5.
The impedance versus frequency plot, as seen by the harmonic source, is shown in
figure 6; the original impedance response (untuned) is shown for comparison.
The minimum impedance occurs at the series resonant point, the 4.7th harmonic,
while the peak represents a parallel resonance due to the capacitor and the two
inductors. Harmonic currents generated at or near the series resonant frequency
(such as the 5th) will flow to the trap harmlessly, provided the capacitor and
reactor are sized properly to withstand the additional stresses. These currents are
simply following the path of least impedance. The system will not resonate above
Figure 5 this frequency since it is inductive. This approach will accomplish two objectives.
On the line side of the capacitor filter bank, system power factor is corrected and
harmonic voltage distortion is reduced,
Harmonic voltage (Vh) is the result of a
harmonic current (Ih) flowing through the system
impedance (Zh), i.e. Ohm’s Law (Vh = Ih Zh).

By reducing the system impedance (Zh) we can

reduce the harmonic voltage (Vh) even though
the harmonic current (Ih) remains the same.
When the main objective is to reduce harmonic
distortion, the engineer will consider the use of
more filter stages, each tuned to the next higher
harmonic (7th, 11th, . . .). In some cases, where
harmonic currents are excessive, the use of
capacitors rated at the next higher voltage may
Figure 6 berequired. In most cases, GE capacitors are
run at rated voltage and will maintain their
twenty year life expectancy.
The GE Power Quality Engineering Department
is available to assist you with system analysis.

41
GE Capacitor g

Harmonic Survey Data Form

System Characteristics
Company Name (Include a one line diagram, if available):
• Power distribution transformer _______ KVA
Address • Transformer impedance (or reactance) _____ %
• Transformer resistance* _______ %
City • Transformer primary voltage (line to line) __ Volts
• Transformer secondary voltage _______ Volts
• Primary three phase fault current (RMS)* ___ KA
State Zip
or secondary fault current* _______ KA
• Primary system X/R ratio* _______
Contact • Total system load (demand) _______ KW
• Power factor (at peak load):
Existing _______ %
Title Desired _______ %
• Capacitors to be added:
TEL voltage ____ KVAR __
voltage ____ KVAR __
voltage ____ KVAR __
FAX • Existing capacitors on your distribution system
Service Entrance voltage ____ KVAR __
Primary Side voltage ____ KVAR __
Individual voltage ____ KVAR __
Equipment/Motors
• Describe any existing capacitor problems:

* Typical values will be assumed if the actual values are not

known.

Return completed form to GE.

42
 GE offers other power quality products.

For additional information on line & load

reactors, high voltage capacitor equipments
and harmonic solutions, contact GE.

g
GE Capacitor

GE Capacitor and Power Quality Products

381 Broadway, Fort Edward NY 12828-1000

GEP-974-F ©2002 General Electric Company 06/06/02